A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a

"A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future." These words by Leonard Bernstein encapsulate the spirit of hope, optimism, and progress that defines a liberal worldview. In Bernstein’s eyes, a liberal is not simply someone with political beliefs, but a person who carries a vision of a world that is constantly improving—a world where peace, justice, and opportunity are available to all. The liberal, in Bernstein’s definition, does not resign themselves to the status quo but is motivated by a dream of a future that transcends the limitations of the present. This vision is one of infinite possibility, where every day brings us closer to a brighter tomorrow.

In the ancient world, the concept of a better future was deeply intertwined with the pursuit of virtue and wisdom. Plato, in his work The Republic, envisioned a society where reason, justice, and truth governed all aspects of life, and where every citizen contributed to the common good. This ideal society was not a distant dream but a tangible possibility, achievable through the cultivation of personal virtue and the pursuit of philosophical wisdom. Plato’s philosopher-kings were to lead with vision and justice, just as Bernstein envisions a world led by those who look forward to progress and peace. The liberal, in the ancient sense, is not simply a dreamer but a doer—someone who works actively toward creating a better world.

The ancient Romans, too, believed in the power of hope and vision to create a more just and peaceful society. Cicero, a Roman philosopher and statesman, spoke of the ideal statesman as one who is driven not by personal gain but by a commitment to the welfare of the people. He believed that it was the duty of those in power to imagine a better future and work tirelessly to bring that vision into reality. For Cicero, the future was not something to passively await, but something that could be actively shaped by those who possessed the courage, wisdom, and determination to work for the common good. This concept aligns with Bernstein’s idea that the liberal is one who is actively engaged in creating a better future, driven by hope and vision rather than by resignation or cynicism.

A real-life example of this vision in action is the civil rights movement in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr., much like Bernstein’s description of a liberal, was a man who looked forward to a better day, a time when people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. King’s dream was not just an abstract wish, but a tangible vision of a future in which justice and equality would prevail. Despite the obstacles, the violence, and the entrenched systems of oppression, King remained steadfast in his belief that a brighter future was possible. His vision for a more equitable society is an embodiment of the kind of hope and optimism that Bernstein speaks of—a vision of a world that is always evolving toward a better tomorrow.

King’s legacy teaches us that to be a liberal, in the true sense of the word, is to be a visionary who is committed to action. It is not enough to simply wish for a better world; one must work tirelessly, sometimes in the face of overwhelming opposition, to create that world. This commitment to progress and justice is what drives social movements, whether in the realm of civil rights, environmental justice, or economic equality. Just as Bernstein viewed the future as a place of infinite possibility, so too must we see the future as something that is ours to create. The actions we take today, whether small or large, have the power to shape the world for future generations.

The lesson from Bernstein’s quote is clear: the future is not something to fear or lament, but something to be embraced with hope, vision, and determination. A liberal, in his sense, is not someone who is bound by the limitations of the present, but someone who dreams of a better world and works to make that world a reality. This is not a passive dream, but an active commitment to social change, driven by the belief that we can build a more just, peaceful, and equitable future. The power to shape the future is in our hands, but it requires the courage to imagine a world that is better and the strength to work toward it.

In practical terms, we can take action by identifying areas where we want to see change—whether it’s in our communities, in our countries, or globally—and committing to make a difference. Whether through activism, volunteering, or simply supporting causes that promote equality and justice, we can all contribute to the creation of a better future. Like the ancients, who shaped the course of their civilizations with their visions, we too have the ability to shape the world with our actions, our words, and our commitment to progress. Let us move forward with the same determination that Bernstein speaks of, knowing that we hold the key to a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.